Islands Montserrat, Curaçao Commit to New Ocean Policies

Contact:

Stephanie Roach | 202-609-8919 | sroach@waittinstitute.org

Washington, D.C. (February 26, 2015) – Ocean management in the Caribbean will leap forward this year thanks to new partnerships between the governments of Montserrat and Curaçao and the Waitt Institute. These collaborations are the first geographic expansion of the institute’s Blue Halo Initiative, which started in Barbuda in 2012.

“We’re thrilled to be building relationships that emphasize science and community priorities,” said Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, executive director of the Waitt Institute, regarding the memoranda of understanding signed with both governments. “Barbuda was just the beginning of a Caribbean-wide effort to rebuild fisheries and improve coastal livelihoods.”

“This Initiative is about creating a new status quo for how we use the ocean,” said Ted Waitt, Founder and Chairman of the Waitt Institute. “It’s challenging. It takes commitment and requires teamwork between government, scientists, fishermen, and the broader community. But if we work together, we can create an elegant solution that will pay benefits for all stakeholders for generations to come. Getting this right is critically important for the Caribbean’s food security and way of life.”

In Barbuda, new policies include zoning of the coastal waters, establishing one-third of those waters as marine sanctuaries, and protecting native sharks and parrotfish.

“This will definitely benefit the people of Barbuda, and Antigua as well, ensuring that fishers have a livelihood that will last in perpetuity,” said Arthur Nibbs, Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Fisheries and Chairman of the Barbuda Council.

“Barbuda set a new standard for comprehensive ocean management in the Caribbean,” said Johnson. With this initiative expanding, it’s an exciting time to be a fish — and a fisherman — in these communities.”

Local fisherman Carlton O’Garro said, “Montserrat is on the move and is rising to the challenge to improve the governance and management of the ocean.”

The Honorable Donaldson Romeo, Premier of Montserrat said, “We recognize that it is in our benefit to work hard for healthy oceans in order to sustain our vital fish stocks, the marine life and biodiversity, and of course the livelihoods of our communities.”

Indeed, the Blue Halo Initiative is at the core of the Waitt Institute’s mission to “empower communities to restore their ocean.

“The state of most Caribbean reefs and fisheries is dire, but the policy solutions are simple,” said Johnson. “My heart soars when I envision coastal ecosystems, economies, and cultures thriving due to the bold commitments these islands have made to use the ocean without using it up.”

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About The Waitt Foundation

The Waitt Foundation, established by Gateway, Inc. co-founder Ted Waitt in 1993, specializes in public-private partnership and supports a variety of national and international programs concentrating on ocean health. Partnering with unique coalitions of government, foundations & philanthropists, NGOs, academics, and business, the Waitt Foundation supports high impact projects with the ultimate aim to “restore our oceans to full productivity.” Learn more at www.waittfoundation.org and @WaittFdn.